RCBS rifle die expander upgrade to carbide

[rodregier]

I've been using Redding rifle dies with the carbide expander ball upgrade for several years. I like the elimination of the need to inside-lubricate case necks and the reduced force needed to expand the necks as I pull the cases back thru the die.

I'm migrating to using an RCBS small-base resizing die to support my tight-chambered Browning Lever Rifle. Alas, the RCBS die has a conventional steel expander.

After looking at the Redding carbide upgrade and the RCBS expander, I realized I could upgrade the RCBS expander to use the Redding carbide expander.

.30 Cal carbide expander is Redding # 49307.

I'm working with the RCBS .308 Win SB die set.

I reduced the length of the expander collar for the RCBS expander die from 0.674" to 0.473". That permitted the Redding .30 cal carbide collar to fit with a small amount of play and still permit tightening to retaining the decapping pin. A small amount of play is needed for the carbide collar because carbide is brittle.

 

[Blue68f100]

Would you get more neck stretching with out lube?

 

[SP2000]

I think you can buy one from Redding that fits RCBS

 

[gamestalker]

I was wondering the same thing Blue68f100.

But what really appeals to me is, how much smoother and slicker it would be if a little lube were used with it. I like that prospect, even though I haven't really had a problem with shoulders getting pulled up. But I have always lightly lubed the inside of the mouths, which might be why I don't have much of an occurrence. I also make sure the expanders are in good shape, no nicks or bad spots.

GS

 

[Walkalong]

I have adapted a Redding carbide ring to the newer style RCBS sizer. Went right on the older style.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=536846

 

[rodregier]

My experience is that steel expander with lube dragged a lot more than the carbide button with no lube. Keep in mind the carbide button has a lot less surface in contact with the interior of the neck. That's possible because the carbide is *very* hard.

 

[rodregier]

Walkalong - great minds